Fin whale description

Fin whales are the among the fastest of all rorqual whales, reaching speeds of 37 kilometres per hour, and are known as the 'greyhounds of the sea'. This whale is light grey to brown-black in colour on the upper surface and white on the underside, flippers and fluke (4). The patterns on the jaw are asymmetrical, and the lower jaw is grey or black on the left and cream on the right, and there are between 50 and 100 grooves on the underside of the body which extend from the throat to the naval (4). While feeding, the bluish grey baleen plates are visible, which can be up to 76 centimetres long and 30 centimetres wide and are bluish to grey in colour with white fringes (2). The prominent dorsal fin can be up to 60 centimetres in length and curves strongly (4). The male and female tend to be very similar in their general appearance, but the female is slightly larger than the male (4).

Related species

Fin whale biology

Fin whales are most often found alone, although pods containting between three and seven individuals are relatively common (4). This species spends spring and early summer in cold feeding grounds at high latitudes, migrating to more southerly areas for winter and the breeding season (5). Northern and southern populations never meet because the seasonal patterns are reversed in the two hemispheres, and so they migrate to the equator at different times of year (5). Mating takes place in winter, and as gestation takes about 11 months, births occur in the winter breeding grounds where conception took place (5). A single calf is produced, which is nursed for six to eight months (4); when weaned, the calf measures between 10 and 12 metres and begin the journey with the female to the feeding grounds (5). Females produce calves every couple of years after reaching sexual maturity at three to twelve years of age. Full maturity is usually attained at 25 to 30 years of age (5).

Fin whales feed by filtering planktoniccrustaceans, fish and squid through their baleen plates. Individuals can dive to depths of 230 metres and can stay submerged for about 15 minutes (7)(8). The blow of a fin whale can reach heights of up to six metres and is a slim cone shape (7).

Fin whale range

This species has a global distribution but is quite rare in tropical or iced polar seas. It occurs in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic Oceans (5); the species is split into two subspecies which do not appear to come into contact, one in the south (B. p. quoyi) and one in the north (B. p.physalus) (5). The fin whale is the only rorqual commonly found in the Mediterranean (6).

Fin whale status

Fin whale threats

The major threat to the survival of this species has been hunting; their blubber, oil and baleen were all highly prized (4). Between 1935 and 1965, over 30,000 individuals were killed every year (7). At present, there is evidence of man-made injuries to fin whales, many of which have resulted from collisions with boats (9). Like other large whales, they are also threatened by environmental change, including noise and chemical pollution (10).

Fin whale conservation

In 1985, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned the hunting of all whales by signatory states. The IWC regulates the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946), and also provides scientific advice to signatory states (11). Conservationists are worried however, that these protection measures are a case of 'too little too late', the southern hemisphere is thought to support only 5,000 fin whales, and the northern seas hold just 2 to 3,000 individuals (4). It seems likely that the species may never recover from past over-exploitation.

To help conserve this species by working in the field with Earthwatch, click here.

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Authentication

Glossary

In some whales, the comb-like fibrous plates hanging from the upper jaw that are used to sieve food from sea water. These are often referred to as whalebone.

Cetaceans

A group comprising all whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Crustaceans

Diverse group of arthropods (a phylum of animals with jointed limbs and a hard chitinous exoskeleton) characterised by the possession of two pairs of antennae, one pair of mandibles (parts of the mouthparts used for handling and processing food) and two pairs of maxillae (appendages used in eating, which are located behind the mandibles). Includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, slaters, woodlice and barnacles.

Dorsal fin

The unpaired fin found on the back of the body of fish, or the raised structure on the back of most cetaceans.

Gestation

The state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth.

Pelagic

Relating to or inhabiting the open ocean.

Plankton

Aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).

Rorqual

Derives from the Norwegian word meaning ‘furrow whale’, and refers to the folds or grooves of skin below the mouth that are a characteristic feature of the Baleanopteridae family of whales.

Subspecies

A population usually restricted to a geographical area that differs from other populations of the same species, but not to the extent of being classified as a separate species.

Embed this Arkive thumbnail link ("portlet") by copying and pasting the code below.

Terms of Use - The displayed portlet may be used as a link from your website to Arkive's online content for private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. It may NOT be used within Apps.